The Trim™ Process
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The TRIM™ Family of products utilizes a mechanical (non-enzymatic) process to liberate the digestible, highly soluble matrix of nutrients locked behind the tough cell wall of grains and seeds. This USDA-developed technology shatters the cell wall to release beta-glucans that would otherwise uselessly pass through the digestive tract.
The TRIM™ manufacturing process presents formulators with free-flowing hydrocolloid-like material that is linearly viscous; in other words, “the more you add, the creamier it gets.” The end result is a superior product formulation that contributes exceptional mouth feel with a mild, low-impact flavor.
The Trim Story
In the late 1990s, the USDA set out to improve the formulation capabilities and uses of grain brans — in particular, oat bran and barley bran. Dr. George Inglett, an ARS Hall of Fame scientist at the USDA, led the effort to make the healthy benefits of oats easier to incorporate into the typical diet. His efforts resulted in the development of a thermo-mechanical processing technique that disrupts the endosperm of oats, freeing the soluble fiber (beta-glucans) and transforming the in-going oat bran into a highly functional, linearly viscous hydrocolloid material.
Acting as a suspension agent, the resulting oat bran yields a healthy “gum” or suspension agent, contributing a creamy mouth feel and texturizing properties to ready-to-mix and ready-to-drink beverages, and can be used as a fat replacer in cooking and baking applications. Today, FutureCeuticals uses the TRIM™ process to create functional, all natural grain ingredients for beverages.